"I knew it was going to be a really special moment, the way the fans cheered for me when I was coming in. It was amazing," Rodriguez said. "I haven't felt like this since we won the World Series."

With his third save in four days, including Wednesday's AL West-clinching victory, Rodriguez topped Bobby Thigpen's mark with the 1990 Chicago White Sox.

Rodriguez said he sensed the presence of his grandfather, who helped raise him in their poor neighborhood in Venezuela.

"I felt like he was right next to me," Rodriguez said. "He's with me every day. I would give up anything to have him right next to me and enjoy this moment. But I've got to deal with it.

After his quiet moment on the mound at the end of the game, his teammates surrounded him and the other Angels relievers came running in from the bullpen to join the celebration.

Rodriguez ran over toward the first-base dugout and blew kisses to his young daughters in the stands, then went over to the third-base dugout and doffed his cap for the crowd.

"It's been an amazing year," he said, praising his fellow relievers. "Without them I couldn't have done this."

Cameras flashed as Rodriguez came on in the ninth. He quickly got in trouble, allowing a leadoff double to Miguel Cairo and walking Luis Valbuena on four pitches.

Ichiro Suzuki followed with a chopper up the middle that second baseman Sean Rodriguez tapped to shortstop Brandon Wood for the forceout. Rodriguez then struck out Wladimir Balentien and Ibanez.

Seattle starter Ryan Feierabend was hoping the Mariners would delay Rodriguez's record.

"Closers aren't perfect at all times," he said. "After we got a couple of people on, I thought we had a good chance.

"But he battled back and got his 58th. Good for him."